MONROVIA – Mr. Eugene Fahngon, the Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation (LBS), has been notably involved in the illegal mining case involving several Chinese nationals, including the influential miner known as ‘The Real Minister.’ His interest has been evident since the arrest of these individuals. However, questions arise as to why this government official from Bomi County has taken to social media to seemingly advocate for these foreign illegal miners operating in Gbarpolu County.
Following the exposure of illegal mining activities and the arrest and indictment of the Chinese miners, with the involvement of Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, Mr. Fahngon announced on Facebook that he would reveal the true story behind the illicit mining operations. This announcement came amidst progress in the case, including arrests and indictments.
On Tuesday, Sen. Konneh expressed his frustration on Facebook regarding what he perceived as a subversion of due process in the case of the illegal Chinese miners. He alleged that under pressure from lawmakers and senior officials in the Executive Branch, the judge in Gbarpolu County released the defendants on bail without the scheduled hearing. Sen. Konneh’s concerns were exacerbated by the fact that the charges against the defendants exceeded US$10 million, yet they posted an insurance bond of only US$1 million, contrary to the law requiring a bond twice the amount charged. He raised serious questions about protecting the country, county, and communities from resource exploitation and environmental destruction.
Konneh stated: “This raises questions about safeguarding the country, county, and communities from exploiting their resources and destroying the environment. It’s particularly concerning that an illegal license was issued on the instructions of a former Minister of State and Chief of Staff to President Weah, and the defendants have not paid any official taxes or community levies to support education, health, and infrastructure. This situation undermines our justice system and is a cause for serious concern. We are actively working to reverse this decision, as it sets a dangerous precedent. This issue is not just limited to Gbarpolu but has far-reaching implications for Liberia.”
In response, LBS Director General Fahngon took to Facebook to question the Senator’s statements, particularly about the timing of the court’s operations, and indirectly defended the judicial process. Fahngon wrote: “Sen. Konneh! Please read Article 21D (i) & (ii). The court does not operate based on night or day. You said ‘reportedly’ in your post. 2029 is far.”
Konneh replied: “LBS Director General Eugene L. Fahngon, what’s your involvement in the illegal mining case in Gbarpolu County? You were in the CDC Government when licenses were issued. Are you now representing the defendant? Remember, you’re a government official and should be on the people’s side. Our conversation about this issue will remain private when you visit my office. For us, this is about our people’s livelihoods and rights to essential services from the extraction of their God-given endowments – minerals. We didn’t come to the Senate to conform. STOP! #accountability”
Gao Feng, also known as Barry and commonly referred to as “The Real Minister,” was indicted along with several others for defrauding the Liberian government of approximately $38.8 million through illegal mining activities in the Belle Yallah region of Gbarpolu County. Gao Feng who was previously on the run was arrested last week, marking a significant development in the case.
Until his indictment, “The Real Minister” had always positioned himself as untouchable in the Liberian mining industry, allegedly influencing who received mining and exploration licenses from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He even claimed he could mine beneath the Executive Mansion, the seat of the Liberian presidency, if it was proven there were gold or diamonds there.
“The Real Minister” and his co-defendants, including representatives of several companies, face charges of economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy. The indictment names Xin Li Da Investment Ltd., represented by Zheng Yi; Urban & Rural Services, Inc., represented by Muntaga Barry; Scott Investment Incorporation, represented by Randy Scott; Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd., represented by Li Yingjun; and Randell & Oretha S. Doe Multipurpose Company, represented by Randell Doe. Other individuals implicated include Mo Hailong, Mrs. Zhang Chi, Li Ying Song, and several others.
The Grand Jury of Gbarpolu County, through an investigation by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, revealed several instances of unauthorized mining using Prospecting Licenses and encroachments on mining claims. These activities resulted in significant illegal proceeds and violations of the Mineral and Mining Law of 2000. Urban & Rural Services, Inc., represented by Muntaga Barry, engaged in unauthorized mining using four excavators and three washing plants, encroaching on the mining claim of NEO Global Mines & Minerals Inc. The Ministry estimated illegal proceeds of $5,744,294.40, with no site reclamation.
Scott Investment Incorporation participated in illegal mining without a Mining License, generating illegal proceeds of $5,310,240.00. Despite obtaining an Exploration License in November 2023, they continued operations without site reclamation. Xin Li Da Investment Development Ltd. engaged in illegal mining, producing illegal proceeds estimated at $12,204,672.00 without site reclamation.
Scott Investment Incorporation again conducted illicit mining, generating illegal proceeds of $6,619,329.60 without site reclamation. Randell & Oretha S. Doe Multipurpose Company was involved in illegal mining, generating illegal proceeds of $18,124,923.60 without site reclamation. Money Man Jackson and others engaged in illicit mining, generating illegal proceeds of $777,666.00 without site reclamation.
These activities resulted in significant environmental damage and financial losses, with total unreported proceeds exceeding $20 million, causing a substantial loss of revenue for the Liberian government.
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